Ice maker assembly and refrigerator appliance

ABSTRACT

Ice maker assemblies for freezers, as well as refrigerator appliance which include ice maker assemblies, are provided. A freezer includes a power source. An ice maker assembly includes a mold tray including a plurality of mold pockets, and a motor, the motor electrically connectable to the power source. The ice maker assembly further includes a housing generally surrounding the motor, and a light coupled to the housing, the light electrically connectable to the power source.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to ice maker assemblies for freezers, such as freezers of refrigerator appliances. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to ice maker assemblies which include built-in or retrofittable lights.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Freezers are generally utilized for storage of frozen food items. A freezer includes a liner which defines a freezer chamber for receipt of such food items. Additionally, in some cases, freezers may include or configured for the addition of an ice maker. A freezer may be a stand-alone appliance, or in many cases may be a component of a refrigerator appliance. In a refrigerator appliance, the liner may define the freezer chamber as well as a fresh food chamber for receipt of foot items for storage.

Many freezers and refrigerator appliances may not include a light source in the freezer chamber. Accordingly, it may be difficult for users to see items within the freezer chamber, especially in cases when external light sources are relatively low. Further, many strategies for adding light sources to such freezers are undesirable. For example, such strategies may require forming additional holes in the portion of the liner surrounding the freezer chamber, in order to add additional hardware to fasten a light source in place and run the necessary wiring to power the light source and/or mount a door switch to activate and deactivate the light upon door opening and closing. Additionally, it may be necessary to add electrical harnesses, which typically must be at least partially embedded in the foam insulation of the liner. These strategies are both expensive and time-consuming, adding material cost and labor cost as well as limiting the ability of consumers to retroactively add light sources in freezers that originally do not include them.

Accordingly, improved apparatus for including a light source within a freezer are desired. In particular, ice makers with integrated or retrofittable light sources would be advantageous.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In accordance with one embodiment, an ice maker assembly for a freezer is provided. The freezer includes a power source. The ice maker assembly includes a mold tray including a plurality of mold pockets, and a motor, the motor electrically connectable to the power source. The ice maker assembly further includes a housing generally surrounding the motor, and a light coupled to the housing, the light electrically connectable to the power source.

In accordance with another embodiment, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes a fresh food compartment and a freezer, the freezer including a housing defining a freezer chamber, the freezer further including a power source. The refrigerator appliance further includes an ice maker assembly disposed within the freezer chamber. The ice maker assembly includes a mold tray including a plurality of mold pockets, and a motor, the motor electrically connectable to the power source. The ice maker assembly further includes a housing generally surrounding the motor, and a light coupled to the housing, the light electrically connectable to the power source.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a front view of a refrigerator appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 2 provides a partial front view of the refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 with doors of the refrigerator appliance shown in an open configuration to reveal a fresh food chamber and freezer chamber of the refrigerator appliance;

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of an ice maker within a freezer chamber according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter; and

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of an ice maker within a freezer chamber according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a refrigerator appliance 100. Refrigerator appliance 100 extends between a top 101 and a bottom 102 along a vertical direction V. Refrigerator appliance 100 also extends between a first side 105 and a second side 106 along a horizontal direction H. Further, refrigerator appliance 100 extends between a front 108 and a back 109 along a transverse direction T, which may be defined perpendicular to the vertical and horizontal directions V, H.

Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a fresh food compartment 110 and a freezer 112. For example, a cabinet, housing or liner 120 may form the fresh food compartment 110 and the freezer 112, and may thus define a fresh food chamber 122 of the fresh food compartment 110 and a freezer chamber 124 of the freezer 112. In the embodiment illustrated, the freezer chamber 124 is arranged above the fresh food chamber 122 along the vertical direction V. As such, refrigerator appliance 100 is generally referred to as a top mount refrigerator. In the exemplary embodiment, liner 120 also defines a mechanical compartment (not shown) for receipt of a sealed cooling system (not shown). Using the teachings disclosed herein, one of skill in the art will understand that the present invention can be used with other types of refrigerators (e.g., side-by-sides) or a bottom mount refrigerator appliance as well. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention in any aspect.

A refrigerator door 126 is rotatably hinged to an edge of liner 120 for accessing fresh food chamber 122. It should be noted that while one door 126 is illustrated, any suitable arrangement of doors utilizing one, two or more doors is within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In the embodiment illustrated, a freezer door 128 is arranged above refrigerator door 126 for accessing freezer chamber 124. FIG. 2 is a front view of refrigerator appliance 100 having doors 126, 128 in an open position to reveal the interior of the freezer chamber 124 and the fresh food chamber 122.

It should be noted that freezer 112 need not be included in a refrigerator appliance 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, in alternative embodiments, freezer 112 may be a stand-along freezer, and liner 120 may define a freezer chamber 124 and no fresh food chamber 122.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 through 4, an ice maker assembly 130 is illustrated. The ice maker assembly 130 may, for example, be disposed in freezer 112, such as in the freezer chamber 124. Freezer chamber 124 may further include therein a shelf 132 and an ice bucket 134. Further, freezer 112 may include a power source 136, which may for example include an electrical socket 138 (or plug) and an electrical cable 140 connected to the electrical socket 138. The power source 136 may, for example, be an existing power source for the ice maker assembly 130. The electrical cable 140 may generally include suitable wiring for electrical transmission to and from the socket 138. The power source 136 may, for example, be accessible within the freezer chamber 124 through an aperture 142 defined in the liner 120. As illustrated, in some embodiments socket 138, and optionally a portion of the cable 140, may extend into the chamber 124. Power source 136 may itself be connected to a main power supply (not shown), which may supply electrical power to the power source 136 as well as, for example, the freezer 112 and optionally the refrigerator appliance 100 in general.

As illustrated, ice maker assembly 130 may include a mold tray 150. Mold try 150 may include one or more pockets 152. Each pocket 152, for example is at least partially defined by one or more bulkheads 154. Each bulkhead 154 may fully or partially separate a pocket 152 from a neighboring pocket 152, thus subdividing water that is flowed into the pockets 152 into ice cubes.

Ice maker assembly 130 may further include conduit 156 through which water may be flowed to the mold tray 150. Water may be supplied to the conduit 156 via a pipe (not shown) that is in fluid communication with a water supply.

Further, ice maker assembly 130 may include a motor 160. The motor 160 may be operable to facilitate dispensing of ice cubes from the mold tray 150. For example, in some embodiments, motor 160 may be rotatably connected to the mold tray 150, and may thus rotate the mold tray 150 such that ice cubes can fall from the mold tray 150 due to gravity. In other embodiments, as illustrated, the mold tray 150 may be stationary, and a shaft 162 may be rotatably connected to the motor 160. A plurality of tabs 164 may extend from the shaft 162, and each tab 164 may generally align with one of the pockets 152. Motor 160 may rotate the shaft 162, and when the shaft 162 is rotated, tabs 164 may travel through the pockets 152 and dislodge ice cubes therein, thus dispensing the ice cubes from the pockets 152.

Motor 160 may be electrically connectable, and when in use connected, to the power source 136. For example, a motor cable 166 may be electrically connected to the motor 160 at one end and an electrical plug 168 or socket at the other end, to supply power to the motor 160. The electrical plug 168 or socket can be connected to the socket 138 or plug of the power source 136. Such connection may electrically connect the motor 160 and power source 136.

A housing 170 may generally surround the motor 160. Cable 166 may extend from the motor 160 through the housing 170 to facilitate an electrical connection with the power source 136.

As illustrated, ice maker assembly 130 further includes a light 180. The light 180 may generally be coupled to housing 170, and is further advantageously electrically connectable, and when in use connected, to the power source 136. Any suitable light 180 may be utilized, such as in exemplary embodiments a light emitting diode (“LED”) module or alternatively an incandescent light bulb, a fluorescent bulb, a high intensity discharge bulb, a compact fluorescent lamp (“CFL”) bulb or any other suitable light source which can be powered by power source 136.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the light 180 and the motor 160 may be electrically connectable, and when in use connected, to the power source 136 in parallel. For example, as illustrated, a light cable 182 may be coupled to the light 180 at one end, to supply power to the light 180. The light cable 182 may be coupled at the other end to the motor cable 166 (for example between the motor 160 and plug 168 or socket, as shown) or directly to the power source 136. Accordingly, power may be supplied from the power source 136 to the motor 160 and the light 180 in parallel.

Further, in these embodiments, the light 180 may, for example, be mounted to the housing 170 as illustrated. Such mounting may couple the light 180 to the housing 170. Of course, it should be understood that light 180 may be mounted to the housing 170 in a parallel electrical configuration or any other suitable configuration, including a series configuration.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the light 180 and the motor 160 may be electrically connectable, and when in use connected, to the power source 136 in series. For example, as illustrated, ice maker 130 may further include an auxiliary housing 190, which may be a housing that is a separate component from housing 170. Auxiliary housing 190 may be connectable, and when in use connected, to the housing 170, such as through a plug and socket connection as described herein. The light 180 may be mounted to the auxiliary housing 190. Such mounting may, when the auxiliary housing 190 is connected to the housing 170, couple the light 180 to the housing 170. An electrical plug 192 or socket may further be mounted to the auxiliary housing 190, as illustrated. The plug 192 or socket may be electrically connected to the light 180, such as via light cable 182. An electrical socket 194 or plug, with which the plug 192 or socket may be connected to electrically connect the light 180 to the power source 136, may be mounted to the housing 170. The electrical socket 194 or plug may be electrically connected to the motor 160, such as via an auxiliary cable 196. Accordingly, when the plug 192 or socket and the socket 194 or plug are connected, power may be supplied from the power source 136 to the motor 160 and the light 180 in series.

Of course, it should be understood that light 180 may be mounted to the housing 170 in a series electrical configuration or any other suitable configuration, including a parallel configuration. It should further be understood that the auxiliary housing 190, socket 194 or plug, and plug 192 or socket may be utilized in a parallel configuration, such as with auxiliary cable 196 coupled to the light 180 at one end and to the motor cable 166 or directly to the power source 136 on the other end as discussed herein.

Notably, the use of an auxiliary housing 190 is particularly advantageous, as the auxiliary housing 190 and light 180 can be sold separately from other portions of the ice maker assembly 130, such as the housing 170. The auxiliary housing 190 and light 180 can then later be added to the ice maker assembly 130 simply by purchasing the components and connecting the socket 194 or plug and plug 192 or socket.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 through 4, in exemplary embodiments, ice maker assembly 130 further includes a sensor 200. The sensor 200 may be in communication with the light 180, and may be operable to actuate the light, such as between an on position and an off position. A sensor cable 202 may, for example, provided the communication with the light 180.

Sensor 200 may in some embodiments be a light sensor or a motion sensor. For example, a light sensor may operate to turn the light 180 on when an increase in ambient light is detected, thus indicating that a user is opening the freezer door 128. The light sensor may further operate to turn the light 180 off when a decrease in ambient light is detected. Alternatively, a motion sensor may operate to turn the light 180 on when motion is detected, thus indicating that a user is opening the freezer door 128. The light sensor may further operate to turn the light 180 off when a lack of motion is detected for, for example, a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, however, any suitable sensor 200, including in exemplary embodiments sensors that require no physical contact by a user such as to a switch of the sensor to operate, are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

The sensor 200 may be coupled to the housing 170 similarly to the light 180. For example, in some embodiments, the sensor 200 may be mounted to the housing 170, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the sensor 200 may be mounted to the auxiliary housing 190.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the sensor 200 may further be in communication with the motor 160 and operable to actuate the motor 160, such as between an on position and an off position. A sensor auxiliary cable 204 may, for example, provided the communication with the motor 160. In general, the sensor 200 may be operable such that the motor 160 is turned off when the light 180 is on and the motor 160 is turned on (but not necessarily always operating) when the light 180 is off.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An ice maker assembly for a freezer, the freezer comprising a power source, the ice maker assembly comprising: a mold tray comprising a plurality of mold pockets; a motor, the motor electrically connectable to the power source; a housing generally surrounding the motor; and a light coupled to the housing, the light electrically connectable to the power source.
 2. The ice maker assembly of claim 1, wherein the light and the motor are electrically connectable to the power source in series.
 3. The ice maker assembly of claim 1, wherein the light and the motor are electrically connectable to the power source in parallel.
 4. The ice maker assembly of claim 1, wherein the light is mounted to the housing.
 5. The ice maker assembly of claim 1, wherein the light is mounted to an auxiliary housing, the auxiliary housing connectable to the housing.
 6. The ice maker assembly of claim 5, further comprising an electrical socket mounted to the housing and an electrical plug mounted to the auxiliary housing, the electrical socket electrically connected to the motor, the electrical plug electrically connected to the light.
 7. The ice maker assembly of claim 1, further comprising a sensor in communication with the light, the sensor operable to actuate the light.
 8. The ice maker assembly of claim 7, wherein the sensor is one of a light sensor or a motion sensor.
 9. The ice maker assembly of claim 7, wherein the sensor is coupled to the housing.
 10. The ice maker assembly of claim 7, wherein the sensor is further in communication with the motor and operable to actuate the motor.
 11. The ice maker assembly of claim 1, wherein the light is a light emitting diode module.
 12. A refrigerator appliance, comprising: a fresh food compartment; a freezer, the freezer comprising a liner defining a freezer chamber, the freezer further comprising a power source; and an ice maker assembly disposed within the freezer chamber, the ice maker assembly comprising: a mold tray comprising a plurality of mold pockets; a motor, the motor electrically connectable to the power source; a housing generally surrounding the motor; and a light coupled to the housing, the light electrically connectable to the power source.
 13. The refrigerator appliance of claim 12, wherein the light and the motor are electrically connectable to the power source in series.
 14. The refrigerator appliance of claim 12, wherein the light and the motor are electrically connectable to the power source in parallel.
 15. The refrigerator appliance of claim 12, wherein the light is mounted to the housing.
 16. The refrigerator appliance of claim 12, wherein the light is mounted to an auxiliary housing, the auxiliary housing connectable to the housing.
 17. The refrigerator appliance of claim 12, further comprising an electrical socket mounted to the housing and an electrical plug mounted to the auxiliary housing, the electrical socket electrically connected to the motor, the electrical plug electrically connected to the light.
 18. The refrigerator appliance of claim 12, further comprising a sensor in communication with the light, the sensor operable to actuate the light.
 19. The refrigerator appliance of claim 12, wherein the freezer is disposed above the fresh food compartment along a generally vertical direction. 